Store owner thwarts robbery with lead pipe

A Saco store owner chased a would-be robber out of his store with a pipe Monday night, according to police.

Saco police said an intoxicated man who was armed with a knife tried to rob Saco Bay Variety just before 8 p.m.

Owner Sonny Cimenian said what he did next.

"He demanded money and I said, 'I'm not giving you money.' So I just pulled my weapon out and chased him," Cimenian said.

Witnesses said they saw the man get into a car parked across the street.

A few minutes later, an officer noticed a similar car headed into Old Orchard Beach. The officer followed the car to a home on Wilson Road and saw a man matching the description of the attempted robber run into the home.

Old Orchard Beach police and Saco police surrounded the home, and after 90 minutes, were able to negotiate with a woman inside to allow officers into the home.

Police said they arrested Mark A. Cassette, 27, of Old Orchard Beach, who had taken an unknown number of drugs in an attempt to overdose.

He was taken to Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford for treatment. Cassette was listed in serious condition on Tuesday.

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